Titanic Belfast Named Best Attraction in Europe

Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience, located on the spot where the famous liner was built and launched, has been named as Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards held in Sardinia, Italy, last night.

Titanic Belfast beat off stiff competition from the Guinness Storehouse, Dublin, La Sagrada Familia, Spain, The Eiffel Tower, France, Acropolis, Athens, Buckingham Palace, England, Ribeira do Porto, Portugal, and The Roman Colosseum, Italy for the top spot.It is also the first-time an attraction from Northern Ireland has won the accolade in its 23 year history.

Titanic Belfast Chief Executive, Tim Husbands MBE, commented, “We are absolutely thrilled to be Europe’s Best Tourist Attraction and to bring the award back to Ireland! After only four years in operation, to be recognised and beat off stiff competition from Europe’s most iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower and the Roman Colosseum is a true honour. We know what we offer at Titanic Belfast is special – the enduring story of Titanic and the appeal of its home where she was designed and built captures hearts and minds throughout the world. We are pleased that we are recognised world-wide as the ultimate Titanic Experience and a must-see for anyone visiting Belfast, Northern Ireland and Ireland. We would like to thank everyone who has supported and voted for us.”

Northern Ireland First Minister Arlene Foster joins celebrations at Titanic Belfast’s Vice-Chairman Conal Harvey (left) and Chief Executive Tim Husbands MBE (centre), as it is named as Europe’s Leading Visitor Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards held in Sardinia, Italy, beating off stiff competition from The Eiffel Tower, France and The Roman Colosseum, Italy. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.

Since opening in 2012, Titanic Belfast has established itself as a world-class attraction on the local, national and international stage, and continues to go from strength to strength. Last month, it welcomed its three-millionth visitor, having once again exceeded visitor number expectations. This milestone came during a record-breaking August, as the visitor attraction experienced its busiest day to date.

The world-class attraction has welcomed many VIP guests includes Her Majesty The Queen, former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, TITANIC director James Cameron, the discovery of Titanic, Dr Robert Ballard, Taoiseach Enda Kenny and, as well as celebrities including Adele and Michael Bublé, to name a few.

It is home to some of the most significant Titanic artefacts, including the last letter ever to be written on board the Titanic by Essex-born Esther Hart and her seven-year-old daughter Eva and the SS Nomadic, the last remaining White Star Line artefact.

The award adds to Titanic Belfast accolades as it was recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world’s most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only three years in operation. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com.